To gibe some explainings, top left is obviously the sketch plus a gradient, with step two being the same with all the shapes having been blocked in on layers. I then did rough colors for everything to get the mood going, but blurred the background so I could focus on the character first (step three). Then once she was more or less done (step four) I did the background (step five) and then finally pulled all the stuff together with glow and all that shit.

You remove black outlines or paint over them, just colour, no black, to give it realistic look. Thing is, when you are this pro like this person, it's all natural and nothing special to them. But I look at it in awe, always.

How do you fill in the colors? Like in the first picture with the sketch. I always need to color everything with a brush, which is quite time consuming. I guess you know a shortcut? That would help A LOT!Thanks in advance. (:

This is one of my favorite pieces of yours. I like the fantasy and emotion more than dynamic anatomy, I think the point of the piece is to a be still. It's a reflective moment. I think for the overall concept, you nailed it.

Somehow this piece is much weaker than your usual works. It's still fantastically rendered of course but it's missing impact and feels a bit stiff, almost artificial. Perhaps it's just my taste, I do have a thing for lively, painterly stuff, heh. Keep it up.!